SiliCycle - Determining the Perfect Syringe Filter in 3 Simple Steps

Step 1: Selection of the Membrane by Application

In the table below you can find the most popular applications where scientists are using SiliCycle Syringe Filters in their laboratories. The table below presents recommended membranes and alternative membranes for each application type. Finally, your choice of membrane can be validated by reviewing the description of each membrane in the SiliCycle portfolio.

Membrane Selection by Application

Properties

Recommended Membranes

Alternative Membranes

Sample preparation prior to HPLC & GC analysis

Nylon

PTFE, PES or RC

Protein analysis or biological solutions

PVDF or PES

Nylon or RC

High particulate loads

Nylon

RC or PTFE

Pure organic and aggressive solvents

PTFE

RC or Nylon

Environmental analysis

PTFE or Nylon

RC

Clinical or toxicological analysis

PES

RC

Food & beverage analysis

PTFE or Nylon

RC

Sample preparation prior to ionic chromatography analysis

PES

PTFE or RC

Capillary electrophoresis analysis

PES

RC

Sample preparation prior to ICP-MS or AAS analysis (trace metals)

PES or Nylon

RC

Membrane Descriptions

Nylon:
Hydrophilic membrane is working well for general filtrations, aqueous & mixed organic solutions, medical assays and HPLC sample preparations.

Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE):
Hydrophobic polytetrafluoroethylene membrane is an excellent media for filtration of strong acids and aggressive organic solvents. Wetting the membrane with alcohol and water gives a hydrophilic characteristic.

Polyethersulfone (PES):
Hydrophilic polyethersulfone membrane is mainly used for life-science applications (biological & pharmaceutical) because of the ultra-low protein binding characteristic of the membrane.

Regenerated Cellulose (RC):
Regenerated cellulose is a universal hydrophilic membrane used in chromatography for filtration of aqueous samples and solvents. This membrane is also used for filtration of biomolecules because of the ultra-low binding capability of the media.

Step 2: Selection of the Membrane Porosity Based on the Sample Nature

Pore Size of 0.45 µm
This porosity is recommended for filtration of viscous solutions or solutions containing high levels of particulate matter. Generally used for aqueous or mixed organic solutions prior to injection on an HPLC column packed with > 3 µm particles.

Pore Size of 0.20 µm
Generally used for aqueous or mixed organic solution prior to injection on an HPLC or UHPLC column packed with ≤ 3 µm particles. This porosity is recommended for particulate-sensitive methods.

Step 3: Selection of the Membrane Diameter Based on Sample Volume

4 mm Membrane
Use this diameter when the volume to filtrate is less than 1 mL.

13 mm Membrane
Use this diameter when the volume to filtrate is between 1 to 10 mL.

25 mm Membrane
Use this diameter when the volume to filtrate is between 10 to 100 mL.